Survey: Houstonians need to floss more

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If you haven't been very good about brushing or flossing your teeth, here's a new reason to turn over a new leaf: Brushing and flossing could help prevent the STD oral human papillomavirus, which could contribute to oral and throat cancer.

A Houston study found that people with poor to fair oral health were 55 percent more likely to contract the virus, which can be spread through kissing.

If you haven't been very good about brushing or flossing your teeth, here's a new reason to turn over a new leaf: Brushing and flossing could help prevent the STD oral human papillomavirus, which could ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Staff

If you haven't been very good about brushing or flossing your... Photo-3783392.58123 - Houston Chronicle

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A survey by DenTek, which makes products for dental flossing, found that only 34 percent of Houstonians surveyed reported that they floss their teeth at least once per day, making it the eighth worst city for dental flossing.

Out of those surveyed in Houston who aren't routine flossers, 28 percent say they simply don't think about doing it.

But the reality is, flossing your teeth can have significant health benefits beyond your mouth. less

A survey by DenTek, which makes products for dental flossing, found that only 34 percent of Houstonians surveyed reported that they floss their teeth at least once per day, making it the eighth worst city for ... more

Gum disease is associated with heart disease, although scientists are still researching whether one directly causes the other. Research does show that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease, The American Academy of Periodontology reports. less

Gum disease is associated with heart disease, although scientists are still researching whether one directly causes the other. Research does show that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease, ... more

Some gum infections can lead to endocarditis, a bacterial inflammation in the lining of the heart.

Some gum infections can lead to endocarditis, a bacterial inflammation in the lining of the heart.

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Some gum infections can lead to endocarditis , a bacterial... Photo-4299649.58123 - Houston Chronicle

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Gum disease often does not have noticeable symptoms, but it does cause an immune response in the body just like any other disease would. It can increase the body’s white blood cell count.

Gum disease often does not have noticeable symptoms, but it does cause an immune response in the body just like any other disease would. It can increase the body’s white blood cell count.

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Gum disease often does not have noticeable symptoms, but it does... Photo-4299651.58123 - Houston Chronicle

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Research has also found that people with diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia (stroke) are more likely to have an oral infection, the American Academy of Periodontology reports.

Research has also found that people with diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia (stroke) are more likely to have an oral infection, the American Academy of Periodontology reports.

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Research has also found that people with diagnosed with acute... Photo-4299650.58123 - Houston Chronicle

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Men with gum disease were found to be 49 percent more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer and 30 percent more likely to develop blood cancers, the American Academy of Periodontology reports. less

Men with gum disease were found to be 49 percent more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer and 30 percent more likely to develop blood cancers, the American ... more

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Men with gum disease were found to be 49 percent more likely to... Photo-4299654.58123 - Houston Chronicle

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Bacteria from the mouth can also be carried to the throat and lungs, making respiratory illnesses more likely and worsening chronic conditions such as emphysema, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. less

Bacteria from the mouth can also be carried to the throat and lungs, making respiratory illnesses more likely and worsening chronic conditions such as emphysema, the University of Maryland Medical Center ... more

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Bacteria from the mouth can also be carried to the throat and... Photo-4299647.58123 - Houston Chronicle

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People who don’t floss could start to look older faster, as gum disease wears away the bones that support your teeth and the lower portion of your face.

People who don’t floss could start to look older faster, as gum disease wears away the bones that support your teeth and the lower portion of your face.